14 dogs rescued in one of 'worst neglect cases'

A tip from concerned citizens led to an early Thanksgiving for 14 dogs and an arrest in "one of the worst neglect cases" seen in Delaware, officials said.

Delaware Animal Services responded to a call about several neglected dogs and other dogs running loose in a wooded area. Upon arrival, officers found emaciated and neglected dogs loose on a Millsboro property on Wednesday, Nov. 23, said Andrea Wojcik, a spokeswoman for the Delaware Division of Public Health.

Officers captured the loose dogs and interviewed concerned residents about the state of the animals. Based on this information, officers obtained a search warrant and found more dogs that needed immediate medical attention and four deceased dogs on the property. The property appeared to be neglected and there was no evidence that food or water had been provided for the animals.

“This is one of the worst neglect cases we have seen,” said Chief Mark Tobin, Delaware Animal Services investigative supervisor. “It was obvious that the dogs had not received any care in a long while, and the conditions in which they were kept was appalling.”

The dogs, many of which had injuries from trying to escape their confinement, parasites and other advanced signs of neglect, were taken immediately to an emergency veterinary hospital for urgent care. Several dogs running loose were captured over a 24-hour period, while officers worked through the holiday to collect evidence.

Atwood Timmons, of Millsboro, the owner of the property, was arrested on Friday, Nov. 25 without incident on 18 charges of animal cruelty and multiple other charges concerning housing, care, rabies vaccination and dog licensing violations. Timmons was arraigned at the Justice of the Peace Court 3 and unsecured bail was set at $60,000.

“This case involved a tremendous amount of teamwork and we want to thank the Good Samaritans who first reported the case and the Sussex County Constable Office for assisting in the initial hours of the incident," Tobin said. "We know the dogs are in good care now at Brandywine Valley SPCA."

All dogs are receiving medical and rehabilitative care at the Brandywine Valley SPCA.

“These dogs will have a long road to recovery ahead of them,” said Adam Lamb, chief executive officer of Brandywine Valley SPCA. “We are committed to providing individualized care to each one of them. That may mean extensive medical treatment for serious conditions associated with long-term neglect, psychological rehabilitation, or training to prepare them to live in a home environment. Whatever they need, we will provide it. If anyone would like to contribute to the animals’ rehabilitation and care, call Brandywine Valley SPCA at 302-516-1006.”

Lamb said that many of the animals will need around-the-clock care and intensive therapy for heartworm. The dogs are still being tested to assess their medical needs. Some are unable to walk, but are alert. Shelter medical staff are hopeful they will make a full recovery. Lamb said that a number of the dogs are very fearful and will need weeks of structured socialization. The society hopes to find caring homes for all the animals.

To report possible animal cruelty, contact the Delaware Animal Services 24-hour hotline at 302-255-4646. Delaware Animal Services enforces animal cruelty, animal control, and rabies laws within the State of Delaware.